Fair in Thousand Oaks aimed at helping seniors live well

Live Well — Age Well, an information and technology fair featuring vendors and “ask the doctor” consultations, will take place May 18 at the Goebel Adult Community Center in Thousand Oaks.

More than 25 vendors will provide information on topics such as hearing and vision checks, free chair massages and assisted-living facilities, said Mike McAdam, recreation coordinator at the center.

Teenagers with skills in electronics will work individually with people who need help with cellphones, cameras, laptop computer and other devices, he said.

Sponsored by the Conejo Recreation and Park District and UCLA Health, the event will feature doctor-led seminars and free tests of blood pressure, vital signs and body mass index. Physicians also will staff an “ask the doctor” table.

“There’s so much information and so many providers in the same place at the same time — a one-stop shop,” McAdam said. “Our goal is for seniors to gain ... information about living well and aging well to stay as active and healthy as possible.”

There will be talks on “What Every Senior Should Know” from 10-11 a.m., “Nutrition & Longevity” from 11 a.m. to noon, “What Screening Do You Need?” from noon to 12:30 p.m. and “Take Action Stay Heart Healthy” from 1-2 p.m.

“I will discuss the vaccines that are recommended, what diseases they prevent and what risks are involved with routine vaccinations. I will also address some of the common myths surrounding vaccines,” said Ferrara, who works for UCLA Health System in the Thousand Oaks Multispecialty Group.

“Many of the well-educated patients I see in my office are very hesitant about receiving vaccines, and when I delve into the reasons why, I often find that patients have been misinformed about the risks and benefits,” Ferrara said.

She thinks every patient has a right to choose whether to receive vaccines.

“But I also believe that it is our duty as physicians to ensure that the choice is made based upon accurate information,” she said.